Special Exams Begin

On the deck, the students were still immersed in their amazement and discussion about the mysterious island they had just glimpsed, their excited chatter rising and falling like layered waves, endless and unceasing. Sunlight spilled across every eager face, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp tang, brushed through their hair. Amidst this clamor, the familiar broadcast voice rang out once more—gentle, clear, yet carrying an undeniable penetrative force that reached each ear distinctly:

"Notice to all students. We will soon be landing on the school's private island. All students are to change into the designated sports uniforms within thirty minutes, carefully confirm your required luggage, and then bring your personal phones to the deck for assembly. Aside from necessary items, no other personal belongings are permitted; please store them properly in your rooms. Restrooms are still available for use, so it is recommended that you take care of personal needs in advance."

The broadcast struck like a cold stone dropped into a boiling lake surface. In an instant, the sightseeing atmosphere shattered, replaced by a collective uproar mixed with restlessness and curiosity.

"We're really going onto the island!"

"We can finally set foot on it?!"

"Hurry, hurry, back to the rooms to change!"

The crowd surged toward the ship's interior like a startled swarm of bees, swift and noisy. Exclamations and casual talk were quickly overtaken by urgent calls to action. Everyone was impatient to stand on that green-covered, unknown land.

Inside the Class B boys' dormitory, the same flurry of activity reigned. Shimiya Kuki smoothly stripped off his casual shirt, revealing a well-trained upper body with distinct but not exaggerated muscle lines—and, impossible to ignore, the numerous old scars scattered across it. Just as he reached for his sports uniform, a sweaty hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder from behind, heat and weight pressing down at once.

"Hey! Shimiya!" It was Shibata Kaede. He leaned in close, his face still wearing that ever-present, refreshing smile, but his eyes quickly swept over the scars on Shimiya's back and chest. His tone carried its usual teasing, but also a faint, hard-to-detect tension: "No matter how many times I see it, it's always super impactful... You sure you're okay, man?"

Shimiya's movements showed no delay. Expressionless, he picked up the dark blue sports uniform top and replied in a tone as flat as describing the weather: "At least for now, all functions are intact and my health is fine. There's no need for you to worry." He pulled the shirt over his head.

"You'd better hurry up too. If you're late, we won't wait for you."

"I know, I know!" Shibata, as if just reminded, scrambled to speed up noisily. Nearby, Kanzaki Ryuji was already fully dressed, meticulously adjusting the length of his sleeves, even pulling the collar zipper to a precise, symmetrical height, his expression focused as if performing some ritual. Hamaguchi Tetsuya was also nearly ready, bending over to tighten his shoelaces.

By the time Class B's group stepped back onto the deck, it was already a surging crowd of blue and white. Students from different classes, all wearing identical sports uniforms, talked, jostled, and peered around, their noise louder than the sea breeze. Class A had already formed ranks, as neat as if drawn with a ruler and compass. Within five minutes, all first-year students had assembled on time, the air thick with an almost visible excitement and restlessness for the unknown adventure.

"Next," the broadcast voice chimed in again, steady and carrying an undeniable guiding force, "please disembark in class order, starting with Class A. Additionally, phones are prohibited from being brought onto the island. Please hand your phones to your respective class advisors before leaving the ship."

The students stepped forward one by one, handing their phones to the advisors standing at the gangway entrance, who had also changed into sports uniforms. Class B followed right after Class A, the process smooth. After handing their phones to Hoshinomiya-sensei, who was beaming and making cute gestures, they stepped onto the long gangway and finally set foot on the soft, warm white sand.

Fine sand immediately enveloped their soles, offering a unique sensation warmed by sunlight. A strong sea breeze rushed at them, carrying a rawer scent of the ocean and the damp greenery of the distant forest. Looking up, the dense, almost aggressive jungle seemed to press right up to them, like a thick, deep green barrier, exuding a primal, silent pressure.

And on that dazzling beach, Class B's advisor, Hoshinomiya Chie, was hopping and waving energetically, her sports uniform making her look more like an overly excited senior student: "Over here, over here! Everyone from Class B, gather here quick—!(＾▽＾)"

The students quickly clustered around her. Hoshinomiya stood on tiptoe, her gaze darting around in a circle to confirm no one was left behind, then she winked playfully: "Alright~! I don't think any little fool got left on the ship, right? But just to be safe, teacher's going to do a roll call!"

"Ichinose Honami!"

"Here!"

"Shimiya Kuki!"

"Here."

"Kanzaki Ryuji!"

"Here."

"Shibata Kaede!"

"Here! Teacher!"

The roll call flew by in a mix of crisp and steady responses. After confirming everyone was present, Hoshinomiya put her hands on her hips, her face breaking into a huge, almost blindingly bright smile, and announced loudly to the neatly lined-up boys and girls before her:

"Boys and Girls! The heart-pounding island life—is about to officially begin! Sunshine! Beach! Ocean! Forest!" She waved her arms, her voice rising higher and higher. "This is a perfect chance to strengthen class bonds, forge revolutionary friendships, and even..." She deliberately drew out the last word, her gaze slyly sweeping over a few instantly blushing students, then added mischievously, "...encounter that destined someone! Teacher is super, super excited! (◍•ᴗ•◍)"

This speech immediately drew a burst of laughter and a few shy gasps. However, Hoshinomiya's gaze passed over the crowd and landed precisely on the most indifferent figure in the line, Shimiya Kuki, who seemed completely detached from everything around him. Her smile instantly turned meaningful, even carrying an expectant, watchful air, and she emphasized her tone:

"Especially you, Shimiya—! You need to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You absolutely have to 'do'! Teacher is especially rooting for you!" She even clenched her fist and made an exaggerated cheering gesture in his direction.

Faced with this sudden, clearly targeted "special attention," Shimiya's expression didn't waver in the slightest. He merely lifted his eyes and replied in that consistently flat, emotionless tone: "I'll try my best." As if she were talking about some trivial matter unrelated to him.

Amidst this restless atmosphere, a low, authoritative, and highly penetrating voice suddenly rang out through the loudspeaker, instantly drowning out all noise:

"Silence."

The entire beach fell quiet in an instant. All eyes turned to the temporary white podium. Standing there was Majima Tomoya, the first-year English teacher and Class A's advisor. He wore a crisp, dark teacher's uniform, completely out of place among the sports-clad students and teachers and the casual beach backdrop, like a personification of meticulous discipline intruding on a resort, radiating an invisible, heavy pressure.

"First," Majima-sensei's sharp gaze swept across the sea of students below like a hawk's, his voice spreading coldly through the microphone, "I am pleased that everyone has arrived safely today." A standard opening, yet it carried no trace of joy.

Then, his tone shifted, growing heavy and laced with a formal regret: "However, on the other hand, though it is only one person, I must regretfully inform you that one student is unable to participate in this special activity due to health reasons."

Shimiya Kuki's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this. Must be that one from Class A. Her physical condition truly couldn't withstand such a harsh outdoor challenge. His gaze discreetly swept over Class A's formation, confirming the empty spot, and he understood. A wave of hushed whispers, mixed with sympathy and curiosity, rippled through the surrounding students.

Majima-sensei didn't allow the murmurs to spread. He raised his voice slightly, that stern, cold tone hammering against everyone's eardrums like a physical force, clearly and unmistakably announcing the true endgame of this trip:

"Next—" His gaze slowly swept once more over every young face, still tinged with excitement but now replaced by shock and doubt, each word striking with weight:

"—we will officially begin this academic year's first 'Special Exam.'"